Step way back in time at the 18th Century Christmas
As much as we may love our modern Christmas celebrations, sometimes we need something different. Fort Loudoun State Historic Park celebrates Christmas like its 1756 with the reenactors showing how the soliders at the fort got into the festive spirit. If you come during the day, you can see much of the usual operations like blacksmithing and artillery drills along with the daily chores like cooking and cleaning. But what makes this event really special are the church service, and once the Sun sets, a candlelight tour of the fort. This is a one-day event and is held from 10 AM to 07 PM.
Snack on seasonal cupcakes at Lacy's Cakes
A cold Winter day can feel a bit isolating as everyone is either indoors or bundled up. What you need is a good meal and the warmth of Southern hospitality and a great place to find those is at Lacy's Cakes in Vonore. This small cafe, located right along Highway 411, has a menu that will satisfy those cravings for something sugary like one of their signature cupcakes, including seasonal cupcakes to celebrate the holidays. If you need something savory, they also serve salads and wraps (yours truly recommends the honey roasted BBQ wrap). On top of all that, the staff is very friendly and will make you feel welcome. If you hosting an event, Lacy's also does catering.
Learn local history at Seqouyah Birthplace Museum
Most of Vonore's best attractions are outdoors, which is perfect for most of the year, but when Winter rolls around, you'll want to stay indoors. This is when you should check out the Seqouyah Birthplace Museum. This museum tells the story of Seqouyah, the creator of the Cherokee syllabary which was one of the first writing systems for an indigenous language. The newly-renovated exhibit uses a mix of original artifacts, reproductions, and video displays to show how Seqouyah was inspired to give his people a way to preserve their language and culture. The gift shop has a variety of items, perfect for history lovers, as well as Christmas ornaments. If you are willing to brave the cold, there are outdoor exhibits as well as a burial mound of 191 Cherokee people who lived in Chota and Tanasi in the 17th century and whose original graves were disturbed by the TVA when they flooded the valley.
Stay in a Cozy Cabin at Cherokee Outdoor Resort
How can you enjoy the beautiful outdoors on a chilly Winter? You could go camping but let's be honest, you don't want to be freezing out in the woods. Instead, you'll want to stay cozy in a cabin. Monroe County has several cabins to rent. We recommend checking out Cherokee Outdoor Resort in Vonore. The cabins feature views of Tellico Lake and are conveniently located on Highway 411. Just steps away from the cabins is The Mudpuppy, the resort's restaurant. The resort is a short drive from Fort Loudoun State Historic Park and the Seqouyah Birthplace Museum.
Shop for handmade decor at Black Bear Trading Post
When driving down Highway 411 through Vonore, it can be hard to miss the rustic exterior of the Black Bear Trading Outpost. This small shop sells an assortment of handmade wood carvings including those of the namesake black bears. They are joined by other animals like turtles, owls, and rabbits. We miss seeing our woodland neighbors during the Winter which is why you should check out this store in the colder months when all the real animals are hiding away. Along with the animal carvings, the store also sells signs and seasonal decor. These make great gifts for your friends and family, especially those you may be sad about it being too cold to enjoy the outdoors.
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